Evaluating urban diversity practices of local municipalities in istanbul: A case study of Besiktas, Beyoglu and Fatih municipalities

Cities are the most important places where urban diversity comes to the forefront as diverse groups are encountered mostly in urban areas. Socially, economically or demographically diverse groups come together in cities. Cities are becoming more diverse than ever. Istanbul has a diverse character dating back to the Ottoman Empire Period. In that period minorities located in the city had great tolerance. However, with the emergence of the nation state the city started to loose its diverse characteristics by decreases in the minority population. But, the city is becoming more diverse, as a result of increasing migration flows in recent decades. In this regard, the responsibilities of local municipalities increases in order to cope with the increased diversity. The main aim of the research is to understand the perceptions of the local municipalities towards diversity and to evaluate the success of local municipalities in addressing diversity in Istanbul. The best way to evaluate the practices of local municipalities is seen as using a qualitative case study method to gain in-depth knowledge by comparing different municipalities in Istanbul. Also Eurocities "Integrating Cities" frameworks (Inticities, Dive,Mixities,Implementoring, etc.) are taken as examples for choosing the case study method for this study as in these studies the case study method has also been used to evaluate successful diversity practices in European cities. In this study, the notion of diversity is identified first by looking at its various meanings and evaluating policies towards diversity. Then the importance of diversity in cities is identified by looking at the reasons for the rise of diversity in cities, planning implementations in diverse cities and economic and social benefits of diversity in the city. After examining the term diversity, progressions towards diversity in Europe are identified to understand the spatial reflections of diversity. The reason to choose Europe instead of other regions is because evolution of diversity in European cities resembles Turkey; both contexts influence each other as Turkey is part of Europe. After examining progressions in Europe by looking at the evolution of diversity policies and practices in Europe, progressions towards diversity in Turkey and Istanbul are identified to understand the case study municipalities better by looking at the national and local perspectives. As the study aims to evaluate and compare the perceptions and successes of local municipalities in terms of diversity, three district municipalities in Istanbul were chosen for the cases of the study as district municipalities are most significant elements of local administration. Diverse groups are encountered in cities and as a result of this, conflicts and the needs of these diverse groups are better understood at the local level. Also, people are represented directly and could participate to the decision making process at local level. Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu and Fatih Municipalities were chosen as the cases of the study. To evaluate the success of diversity practices the study first looked at strategic plans and the performance and activity reports of the municipalities. Then in-depth interviews were done with the employees in these municipalities. Then the results were evaluated according to the benchmarks created by Eurocities projects. Finally, findings were identified as the conclusion of the study. The changing perception of diversity in each municipality, their common approaches, the importance of national laws and regulations in implementing diversity practices and the importance of local practices developed in addition to legal directives and the impact of international networks in adopting diversity practices were identified as the main findings of this thesis.